Arsenal manager introduces new signings Rice and Timber to Okonkwo, other first teamers 

Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is back with the Arsenal first team squad after missing the trip to Germany for undisclosed reasons. 

The Hale End Academy graduate was not named in the traveling party to Germany, where a pre-season training camp was held, culminating in a friendly with 2.Bundesliga side FC Nürnberg, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Gunners have made a statement of intent to their Premier League rivals with the recent signings of Jurrien Timber from Ajax Amsterdam and Declan Rice from West Ham United for a combined fee of €157million.

They have also brought in Germany international Kai Havertz from Chelsea, taking their total spending this summer to around €227million.

Arsenal have uploaded a video on their official website where manager Mikel Arteta was seen introducing Rice and Timber to the first team players, with Okonkwo in attendance, before the Spanish football tactician started reviewing what happened during the training camp in Germany.

Okonkwo  spent the first half of last season on loan at Crewe Alexandra and was recalled from the League Two club in the January transfer window, before he headed to Sturm Graz, where he completed the season. 

The 21-year-old played the entirety of the first half as Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Watford in a behind-closed-doors friendly last Saturday. 

 Arsenal will be involved in pre-season games against MLS All-Stars, Manchester United and Barcelona in the United States before their return to England where they will end their pre-season activities with a game against Monaco on the 2nd of August.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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